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Rutgers Adds Jesse Bernhardt to Coaching Staff

from Press Release

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men's lacrosse
head Coach Brian Brecht added a Team USA player to his staff on
Thursday with the hiring of Jesse Bernhardt as an assistant coach.
Bernhardt joins the Scarlet Knights after a highly decorated
playing career, and previously was a volunteer assistant coach at
the University of Maryland.

"We are very excited to add Jesse to our staff," Coach Brecht
said. "He has been a part of three Final Fours, two Division I
Championship games, won an MLL championship his first year as a
professional, and played this summer on the US National Team in the
World Games. His level of play, understanding of the game, and
passion as a coach will be a great addition to our staff, while
working with our current players as well as the young men we
recruit here at Rutgers. I look forward to having him join us "On
the Banks" and meeting the Rutgers Lacrosse Family."

Bernhardt spent last season with the University of Maryland,
working with the defensive unit as a volunteer assistant. Bernhardt
assisted with defensive game planning, the man-down unit, wings of
faceoffs, ran the substitution box, worked on scouting reports and
game film, and assisted with summer tournaments and camps. With
Bernhardt on staff, the Terrapins went 13-4 in 2014 and advanced to
the NCAA Semifinals.

Bernhardt also brings a variety of coaching experience at the
high school and youth level. He previously was the Defensive
Coordinator for Windermere Prep School in Orlando, Florida, while
also being the Co-Head Coach of the Lacrosse Club of Orlando.
Additionally, Bernhardt was a camp coach at No-Limit Lacrosse Camp,
Nike Blue Chip, and Bernhardt Lacrosse Camps.

"I would just like to thank Coach Brecht and the athletic
administration for the opportunity to be part of the Rutgers
Lacrosse family, and the effort to bring back the successful
tradition of the program," Bernhardt said. "I am looking forward to
making any contribution needed in my role towards that effort."

As a player, Bernhardt enjoyed extraordinary success both on the
collegiate and professional level. Playing for Maryland, Bernhardt
was a two-time captain and All-American. As a junior in 2012 he was
All-ACC, ACC Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Tewaarton Trophy
Nominee, and USILA Second Team All-American and Scholar
All-American as he helped Maryland to the NCAA Championship game.
His senior season in 2013 Bernhardt again was All-ACC and a
Tewaarton Trophy Nominee, as well as a USILA First Team
All-American and Scholar All-American.

After his dynamic collegiate career, Bernhardt was the number
four overall selection in the Major League Lacrosse Draft by the
Chesapeake Bayhawks. In his first season, he aided the Bayhawks as
they won the MLL Championship. He was also on the 23-man roster for
Team USA which competed in the World Games this past July.